Dad’s running for mayor. It’s a decision that was made after consulting my sister and I. “Give it your all,” we told him, “and leave everything on the field.”

Softball sayings were common in our household. Dad was our coach for over 12 years. At 9, after a strong Little League debut, I informed Dad that I had perfected my swing and wouldn’t need to practice on the tee anymore.

That night, Dad had me watch a tribute video of Cal Ripken, my favorite baseball player. Cal was practicing on a tee in his professional clubhouse. “Even the best of the best practice the fundamentals,” Dad said.

He taught me then to never be complacent, that if you want something you must work hard for it, and to be the best version of yourself, you must strive to become better. My sister and I went on to play softball at the collegiate level and Dad came to all but a handful of games.

Over the past 30 years, I’ve watched Dad work incredibly hard to be where he is today.

Even now, as working adults, we lean on Dad for support. I often talk with him before a presentation or deadline. When I tell him I’m nervous, he always asks me one thing. “Are you prepared?” When I answer yes, he assures me I have nothing to lose.

That’s what Dad’s been doing these past four months: preparing. He’s knocking on doors, listening to residents and “leaving it all on the field.” This is the city he’s grown up in and cares about deeply. Dad’s never been a politician, but he’s always been the hardest worker. His name is Bill Russo, and he’s running for mayor as a Democrat. And I believe he is the best person for the job.